Monthly Archives: June 2021

Organic Clover

“Let food be your medicine.” Hippocrates

Some years ago when I was an intern at Rodale Institute (a pioneer of organic farming in the US), I learned about a ground cover that farmers plant between the seasons to increase the nitrogen level in the soil. Clover grows globally in any climate. In the spring, beautiful shades of clover flowers varying from white to red give the impression of unending lace spreading over the lusious green land. Back then I didn’t know that clover also has medicinal and nutritional values.

Wild clover in large quantities is poisonous, but it is beneficial if consumed in small amounts. Recently the FDA has classified clover as medicine. Potential health benefits of this plant include improving osteoporosis and bood flow (especially during menopause), reducing the risk of prostate cancer (especially red clover). Prostate cancer patients need to check with their doctor before using clover for possible interactions with their medicine. Also pregnant and breast feeding moms should be cautious with the use of clover.

Red clover flowers are even eaten by deer and other wild animals. You can put them in salad (it is better to steam them first), in soup, in tea, and they can be dried, ground and added to flour for baking bread and other pastries. It gives a mild natural sweetness to baking goods. You can also make clover syrup. Whatever you do and however you use them, make sure that don’t overdo it. Enjoy, but moderation is the key! 🙂

“Let’s always eat and drink healthful food and beverages and do it in moderation.” Dr. Sii

Trifolium repens